Karen A. Setzer
Vancouver,WA
Summary
Experienced Executive Assistant with a strong background supporting senior healthcare leaders and managing complex administrative operations. Skilled in executive communication, project coordination, workflow optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. Known for exceptional judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to bring clarity and structure to fast-moving environments. Adept at building strong relationships and improving processes that enhance leadership effectiveness.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Assistant III
Kaiser Permanente Northwest
12.2024 - Current
- Provide high-level administrative support to the VP of Continuing Care Strategy & Operations and multiple Executive/Senior Directors.
- Serve as intermediary and primary liaison, independently managing communications across regional, area, and interregional partners.
- Coordinate project logistics, track deliverables, and facilitate alignment among key stakeholders.
- Prepare executive meeting materials, capture confidential minutes, and monitor follow-up actions.
- Identify operational barriers and recommend improvements to project management processes.
- May coordinate and oversee work assignments of administrative staff
- Coordinate and execute travel arrangements.
Executive Assistant - Continuum of Care
Kaiser Permanente Northwest
03.2016 - 12.2024
- Supported Continuum of Care leadership through complex scheduling, communication routing, and operational coordination.
- Prepared reports, managed documentation, and supported cross-departmental workflows.
- Assisted with project tracking, meeting logistics, and process improvements.
Staffing Specialist - Continuum of Care
Kaiser Permanente Northwest
02.2016 - 03.2016
- Coordinated staffing schedules and supported workforce planning for Continuum of Care operations.
Administrative Coordinator
Group Health Cooperative of Eastern Washington
08.2004 - 09.2015
- Managed daily administrative operations for Pediatric and Family Practice clinics.
- Led morning huddles, coordinated physician and clinical staffing, and maintained Epic schedule templates.
- Oversaw clinic budgets, payroll/timekeeping, travel arrangements, and event coordination.
- Built strong relationships with providers, staff, and patients to support clinic performance.
- Key Contributions:
- Improved organizational efficiency by implementing new corporate initiatives
- Strengthened patient relations by resolving issues directly and effectively
Administrative Specialist C
Group Health Cooperative of Eastern Washington
11.2002 - 08.2004
- Triaged high-volume incoming calls and routed messages to appropriate staff.
- Managed supply ordering, payroll tracking, and budget reconciliation.
- Prepared weekly, monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc utilization reports.
Referral & Authorization Manager
Group Health Cooperative of Eastern Washington
10.1998 - 02.2000
- Established and managed a centralized Referral & Authorization Unit.
- Conducted hiring, performance reviews, and personnel management.
- Resolved pending and denied claims and developed audit tools to ensure data accuracy.
- Key Contributions:
- Designed data entry procedures aligned with new electronic claims systems.
- Reduced aging claims through trend monitoring and workflow improvements.
- Participated in corporate Policy & Procedure Redesign Team.
Senior Benefits Coordinator
Group Health Cooperative of Eastern Washington
08.1994 - 10.1998
- Managed benefits coordination, claims resolution, and employee support functions.
Education
General Studies Program
North Idaho College
Coeur d’Alene, IDCore Management Training - undefined
Group Health Cooperative
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Epic Systems
- SharePoint
- Project Coordination Tools
- Budgeting & Reporting Systems
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Executive Support & Calendar Management
- Cross-Functional Communication
- Project Coordination & Logistics
- Leadership Team Operations
- Confidential Meeting Minutes
- Workflow & Process Improvement
- Budget & Payroll Administration
- Staffing & Workforce Planning
- Clinic Operations Management
- Claims, Referrals & Authorization Oversight
- Relationship Building & Customer Service
- Reporting & Documentation
Timeline
Executive Assistant III
Kaiser Permanente Northwest
12.2024 - Current
Executive Assistant - Continuum of Care
Kaiser Permanente Northwest
03.2016 - 12.2024
Staffing Specialist - Continuum of Care
Kaiser Permanente Northwest
02.2016 - 03.2016
Administrative Coordinator
Group Health Cooperative of Eastern Washington
08.2004 - 09.2015
Administrative Specialist C
Group Health Cooperative of Eastern Washington
11.2002 - 08.2004
Referral & Authorization Manager
Group Health Cooperative of Eastern Washington
10.1998 - 02.2000
Senior Benefits Coordinator
Group Health Cooperative of Eastern Washington
08.1994 - 10.1998
Core Management Training - undefined
Group Health Cooperative
General Studies Program
North Idaho College